Hi from Chicago suburbs

[mouka]

Hi all,

I am an old timer. I have had many many bikes over the years. I sold everything I had last year but the bug started itching and I could not spend a summer without a bike. The main problem is that I am very low on cash. So I started scouting the local CraigsList until I came across a 2007 GZ250 with only 1109 miles on it. It was stored mainly indoor for several years. But the last couple of years it spent them under a cover and under the snow. She is still a beauty. The pipes are kind of yellow stained. I am guessing it is running lean and the exhaust is too hot. I will have to tinker with the carbs to fix this issue before it causes too much damage.
I am a big guy, 6' and around 235 lbs. The bike is very small for me. But for getting around town it will do just fine. I don't plan to do any highway riding on this bike. Just getting fresh air when I am stressed out. I can throw this bike left and right and not worry about anything. I have been riding bikes for over 20 years now. This is the smallest bike I have ever owned. I bought it for only $1200. The only item that was missing was the battery. I put in a short battery from Walmart that I bought for $37. It does the job fine.
The bike is bone stock. Nothing was ever added to it. I don't plan to add anything to it. Just do some badly needed maintenance to it. It has not moved in over a year. So it's running a little bit rough with stale gas. But this will definitely improve in the next couple of weeks.
I am very glad that I have found this forum. I am sure I will poke the minds of some of you to give me some advice on how to deal with this bike. It feels like a scooter to me. I have bought it simply because I am almost broke now and badly needed a motorcycle. I plan on keeping it and maybe give it to my daughter. She already has caught the riding bug. I offered to buy her a car when she turns 16 in 2 years. She immediately replied "I want a bike". So the bike is here to stay.
I will get about $3000 in a few days. I plan on using this extra cash to buy a decent larger bike. but for now, it's my cherished GZ250 that is keeping me sane.
The chain is really covered in some white stuff and rusty in some spots. I am guessing it is simply the salt that was used on the driveway of the previous owner. I will use some chain lube and see if that cures it. I am a little bit worried because most chains of modern bikes use o-rings. And if those are dry rotten, it is really bad and can fail and damage something. I am jusst crossing my fingers and hoping it's not the case this time.
I will see you on the road soon enough.
Ride safe!!

[Cathy]

Welcome <3

[Water Warrior 2]

Glad to have you join us. The GZ is an endearing small bike that is ideal for new and returning riders.

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. Ride safe.

[gz4me +]

Welcome to the forum. Alot of help on this forum if you need it. Also with the years you have been around bikes, you might be able to help someone. See you on the forum.

[blaine]

Welcome to the family!!

[grasshopper]

Welcome to the forum. Have fun and ride safe.